Japanese authorities are facing criticism after listings for used indoor school shoes worn by Japanese schoolgirls surfaced on second-hand websites, with prices ranging from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000. The shoes, which are typically worn indoors at school, often come with handwritten details including the student's name, class, and school, and some listings include photos showing the shoes being worn.

The listings have sparked outrage, with critics saying the appeal isn't the shoes themselves, but the 'commodified image of the schoolgirl behind them'. Experts have warned that the case could amount to child sexual abuse, with one social media user writing that 'the horrifying fact is that girls' belongings are being sexualised, while personal details such as their names, classes and schools are being exposed'.

According to reports, one pair of indoor shoes was shipped from Saitama prefecture and was listed for $44, which is over Rs 4,000, with the description stating that the shoes were 'used for three years' and had 'marks where the name on the upper part of the shoe has been erased'.

The Japanese government has not yet commented on the issue, but officials are expected to address the matter in the coming days. The sale of used school shoes is likely to be reviewed, and measures may be taken to prevent the exploitation of minors.